How company-paid CDL training works
Some carriers pay for your CDL-A training, either at their own school or a partner school, in exchange for your agreement to drive for them for a set time. Federal entry-level driver training (ELDT) rules require training from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before you take the CDL skills test.
Read the contract
- How long you must stay, often around a year.
- What you owe if you leave early. This can be thousands of dollars.
- Pay during training, and when solo pay starts.
- What happens if you don't pass.
Is it right for you?
It's a way into trucking without paying for school up front, and many drivers start their careers this way. Compare it with private schools or community college programs, and make sure the carrier is one you'd actually want to work for. Check its safety record on FMCSA's SAFER site.
Questions drivers ask
Is company-paid CDL training really free?
You usually don't pay up front, but you agree to work for the carrier for a period. If you leave early, you may owe the training cost. Read the contract carefully.
Do I need ELDT before my CDL test?
Yes. Since 2022, first-time CDL-A applicants must complete entry-level driver training from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before the skills test.